6 tips when buying a house

Buying a new home can be an extremely
challenging, demanding and daunting task—without proper planning and
organisation, and with so many different things to consider, you can very easily
feel overwhelmed and overcome. Let’s face it, buying a house is most likely going
to be the biggest purchase of your life. Structural integrity of the property, resale value, location, and neighbours are just a handful of particulars you have to scrutinize when purchasing a new residence. With so much to think about, it pays
to invest your time in the appropriate groundwork and efficient preparation.

Luckily homify is here to help—take a look at the following handy hints below,
and ensure you invest your time in clever preparation, thorough research, and guarantee your home purchase is smooth and trouble-free.

Choose your neighbours carefully

Wilton Terrace

You can’t choose your family but you can
choose your neighbours—one of the most important mantras when buying a home is
location, location, location. This is most certainly a truism, not just for the
neighbourhood you are buying into, but also the neighbours you will be living
next to. When buying a home, on average you will probably be living there for
at least next decade, so it makes sense to find out who you will be in close
proximity to. If you purchase a free-standing house, you will have a certain
barrier between the two homes, but many duplexes and apartments rely heavily on
neighbourly cooperation. When looking at a property, visit the neighbours to
get advice on the location, you will probably gain some local insight into the
area, whilst also vetting your potential community. Choose your home and
neighbours properly and not only will you build a great community spirit, but
you could gain an effortless friendship.

Consider resale

London Townhouse

Although we tend to buy homes and plan to
live in them for a long time, it is important to consider resale value. If you
have to sell the house one day, you want to make sure the building is structurally
sound, attractive, and with the potential to mature in price. If in doubt,
consult a property professional who will be able to guide you through the advantages and
disadvantages of the dwelling you have chosen.

Spot nuisances and deal-breakers

Master Bedroom Ensuite

When walking through a property, learn to
look for little nuisances and issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Don’t
be afraid to turn on the taps and inspect water pressure and heating. Plumbing
can be a huge inconvenience if it needs replacing, or if the hot water system
is not up to standard. Check for cracks in walls, and the smell of damp or
musty masonry. Rising damp can be a major problem if it has to be treated at a
later date.

Size matters: choosing the right proportions

North London House Extension

Space is critical when looking for a new home, if you are moving out of a smaller property you will want to ensure you
have enough space in your new dwelling for your family to grow, and have their
own room. Look at the floorplan and see if it is considerably better and bigger
than what you have. Plan what each room could be, and make sure you have a list
of all your essential needs. If you are looking to add on, make sure you check
the council restrictions and panning approval necessary for a development.
Moreover if you are downsizing, make sure you buy a property that can
accommodate your family, but has considerably less square feet, and thus less housework.

Check it out at different times of the day

Coach House

We are all used to seeing a new home as it
is presented by the estate agent—often it is clean, uncluttered, and at its
best, but it is also important to see this home when it isn’t pristine and open
for inspection. Drive past the property at different times of the day and
inspect it at night to see if it still has its pizzazz and attractiveness. Agents work on displaying their property at
the ideal time of day, so that it looks perfect. Try organising an inspection
during busy school leaving hours, peak hour traffic, or when the area is at its
busiest, you will get a better idea of the home, and whether it is what you are after.

Get a conveyancer, and a survey

Burghley Avenue

Bring in the professionals—it is important to make sure you don’t rush into a purchase, and instead a conveyancer can help
with the details, as well as a survey of the property so you know what you are
buying. A building inspection will point out any massive issues with the
structural integrity of the home, and save you money in the long run.